How do you repair an inguinal hernia?

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Inguinal hernia repair can be done laparoscopically or with open surgery, explains MedlinePlus. Once the surgeon is at the site of the hernia, both procedures involve the separation of tissue around the hernia. The hernia sac is removed or the intestines are pushed back into the abdomen.

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Once the repair is made, the surgeon closes the weakened abdominal wall with stitches and reinforces it with a mesh, according to MedlinePlus. During open surgery, a cut is made into the abdomen to access the site of the hernia. During laparoscopic surgery, three or four small incisions are made in the lower abdomen, and a thin tube with a tiny camera at the tip is inserted into the belly to see inside. Other instruments are inserted into the remaining incision sites.

The risks of inguinal hernia repair include bleeding, breathing problems, heart problems, infection, reaction to medication, damage to blood vessels and organs, nerve damage, testicular damage, long-term pain and reappearance of the hernia, notes MedlinePlus. Most patient are able to get out of bed a few hours after surgery, and many are allowed to go home on the same day. Occasionally, men have difficulty urinating after the surgery, which may require the use of a catheter to empty the bladder.